Brave Power heading in right direction as club shows genuine signs of improvement

PORT Adelaide is different - vastly different, particularly on the field where the mission statement at Alberton of regaining respect in the AFL can now unfold with credibility.

The Power closed a promising pre-season by beating AFL premier Sydney by 30 points at AAMI Stadium on Saturday, leaving these impressions:

Port can now:

RUN out games. The Power players are clearly physically sounder under the new program of fitness coach Darren Burgess, who has returned to Alberton from English Premier League club Liverpool.

COMPETE when challenged - as Port was in the third term against the Swans.

Sydney achieved consecutive goals for the first time in the trial by opening the quarter with two goals in four minutes. In the past this would have signalled a Power collapse. Port responded with four unanswered goals.

APPLY significant pressure in the forward half of the field, thereby protecting the makeshift Port defence. This is a major change suitably measured by the Power winning the inside-50 count on Saturday, 54-43.

"It is something we have focused on - and it is something we have lacked for a few years, that ability to shut down the opposition's uncontested work and stop them taking the ball from their back lines to attack."

TAKE chances by constantly moving the ball forward, rather than playing safe with ineffective sideways and backward kicks. This meets new coach Ken Hinkley's demand for his players to be "brave".

"We're taking the game on when we have the ball," said Hartlett of a theme many Port fans have wanted.

STAND UP against the AFL's hardest units. Port's 77-78 count on tackles against the Swans will draw praise for the players in their match reviews today.

"The pressure around the ball carrier has stepped up to another level," Hartlett said.

CLAIM to be a disciplined unit - in the way the squad plays, trains and presents itself. There is clearly a new attitude at Alberton.

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